Saudi Shaykh: What Is Occurring in Yemen Is Fitna

The eminent Shaykh 'Abd-al-Rahman bin Nasir al-Barrak considered the conflict which Yemen is currently witnessing to be fitna which should be avoided. He called on the people of Yemen to turn to the Qur'an as arbiter, and avoid bloodshed and following their passions. He also called on them to put aside this fitna, for most of those entering into it are seeking after worldly demands, rather than upholding the word of Allah.

The eminent shaykh stated that the most dangerous fitna for the Ummah in its religion and its world is that in which blood is being shed, through people following their passions, being fanatical in their views, and carrying out their personal aims. His eminence sharply warned the inhabitants of Yemen, both the government and the people, against persisting in this destructive path, which does not serve the interest of the world nor the religion, but instead brings harm to all parties, for bloodshed in this conflict is forbidden (haraam). Its wickedness will be returned on the heads of all those who have initiated it, supported it, or called for it.

His eminence said: "Wherefore we call on all the people of Yemen, due to what is occurring these days which is contrary to what Allah Almighty commanded, when he said: "O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination" [Qur'an 4:59]. He also said: "And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves" [Qur'an 3:103], and also, "And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who patiently persevere" [Qur'an 8:46]...